Self powered cell phone

ABSTRACT

A self powered cell phone is provided within which kinetically generated variable electrical currents are rectified to DC currents, which are delivered to an internal storage site and thereafter transmitted to the operating circuit of the cell phone, thus avoiding the need for external power sources to recharge the phone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

I. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to power supplies for cell phones and, more particularly, to a new system of generating power for such devices without having to rely upon an external charger or other independent power source.

II. Problems in the Prior Art

Cell phone usage is continuing to grow toward ubiquitous proportions around the globe. However, this expansion is limited by the power supplies that are currently used to operate such devices. Generally, cell phones contain rechargeable batteries which need to be periodically recharged with an AC adaptor or other external power source, so that their capability of use as portable communications devices can be restored and maintained.

This dependence on external power significantly limits opportunities for long term usage of cell phones in areas where there is no electrical power to perform the recharging process. This restriction is inconvenient and, more importantly, at times a serious problem in case of emergencies or other extraordinary situations where a call for help or other necessity cannot be made because a cell phone's internal power has been depleted. Thus, there is a definite need for modifying existing cell phones to render them always operable while free from dependence on external power.

III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present Invention overcomes the foregoing problems by providing a new, self-contained power source for cell phones which comprises a kinetic electrical current generator coupled to other components that avoid the need for external power. Instead, the new power source almost continuously charges an internal battery by current generated from physical motion of the cell phone in any direction or orientation.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further details of the Invention will be readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings and the following description, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the Invention;

FIG. 2 is a drawing of specific circuit components for performing the embodiment of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a view of a mobile component of the kinetic current generator depicted in FIG. 2.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, block 10 represents a kinetic electrical generator that is included within the exterior casing of a cell phone and produces electrical currents when subjected to any motion of the phone. Block 12 represents a rectifier which converts variable electrical currents created by the generator into DC currents. Block 14 represents a storage site for receiving and storing the electrical energy of the DC currents. Block 16 represents the operating circuit of a conventional cell phone.

Referring to FIG. 2, numeral 18 points to a specific form of a hollow raceway which works with a mobile magnetic ball 20, depicted in FIG. 3, to create variable electrical currents. In particular, raceway 18 is in the form of an endless loop twisted 180° around itself to provide a FIG. 8 shape which is wrapped with electrically conductive wire around its exterior. The cross section of the loop is circular. Ball 20 is formed with an internal permanent magnet 22 and with a diameter slightly less than the diameter of raceway 18 so that it can freely roll through the raceway.

As the ball 20 rolls through the raceway 18, electrical currents are electromagnetically created in the coil wrapped around its exterior. These currents will vary in magnitude, time duration and polarity depending on the speed, frequency, and direction of the rolling motions of ball 20. By shaping raceway 18 as a twisted loop, hills and valleys are developed within its interior such that the slightest physical motion, in any direction, of a cell phone containing it, will induce ball 20 to roll through the raceway to generate an electrical current. Therefore, current generation can or will occur very often during the course of a user's day, especially if the cell phone is carried on his or her person. Moreover, current generation can be carried out, at will, by manually moving the cell phone in any of myriad motions performed by the user.

As noted, the electrical currents created by a generator are variable in polarity. In order to obtain maximum recovery and storage of such currents, the output of generator 18 is connected to a full wave diode rectifier designated by numeral 24. The rectifier converts the variable polarities to a DC current which is delivered through lead 26 to a storage site, for example, a rechargeable lithium ion or nickel metal hydride battery. Thus, the electrical energy of the DC currents becomes stored and available for operation of the cell phone at all times without need for an external power source.

The output of battery 28 is delivered through switch 30 to the cell phone circuit. This switch may be designed to be operated by manual pushes on a power button or, in a folding type, partly pivotable phone, automatically by unfolding and folding it to initiate and terminate communications.

The invention has been described in terms of its operating principles and a specific illustrative embodiment. Many variations and modifications of the illustrative embodiment will be obvious to those skilled in the art. It will be understood that all such variations and modifications are intended to be covered by the ensuing claims and all equivalents thereof. 

1. A self powered cell phone which comprises: means for kinetically generating variable electrical currents; means for rectifying such currents to DC currents; means for receiving and storing the DC currents in a storage site; and means for providing the stored DC currents to the operating circuit of the cell phone.
 2. A cell phone according to claim 1 wherein the generating means comprises a hollow raceway wrapped with electrically conductive wire to form a coil around its exterior, and a mobile magnetic member configured to be moveable through the raceway to electromagnetically generate variable electrical currents in the coil.
 3. A cell phone according to claim 2 wherein the hollow raceway is in the form of a twisted endless loop having a circular cross section, and the mobile member is a magnetic ball configured to roll through the raceway.
 4. A cell phone according to claim 3 wherein the endless loop is twisted about itself to the extent of approximately 180°.
 5. A cell phone according to claim 1 wherein the rectifier means comprises a full wave diode rectifier.
 6. A cell phone according to claim 1 wherein the storage site comprises a rechargeable battery.
 7. A cell phone according to claim 6 wherein the rechargeable battery comprises a lithium ion or nickel metal hydride battery.
 8. A cell phone according to claim 6 wherein the providing means comprises a switch that opens or closes a lead from the battery to the operating circuit of the cell phone.
 9. A cell phone according to claim 8 wherein the switch is operable by manual pushes on a power button of the cell phone.
 10. A cell phone according to claim 8 wherein the switch is operable by unfolding and folding pivotable parts of the cell phone.
 11. A method of self powering a cell phone which comprises: kinetically generating variable electrical currents; rectifying such currents to DC currents; receiving and storing the DC currents in a storage site; and providing the stored DC currents to the operating circuit of the cell phone.
 12. A method according to claim 11 which further comprises moving a mobile magnetic member through a coil wrapped around a hollow raceway included within the casing of the cell phone to electromagnetically generate the variable electrical currents.
 13. A method according to claim 12 which further comprises configuring the raceway in the shape of a twisted endless loop having a circular cross section, and configuring the mobile member in the shape of a ball to roll through the raceway.
 14. A method according to claim 13 which further comprises twisting the endless loop about itself to the extent of approximately 180°.
 15. A method according to claim 11 which further comprises performing a full wave rectification of the variable electrical currents.
 16. A method according to claim 11 which further comprises storing the DC currents in a rechargeable battery.
 17. A method according to claim 16 which further comprises storing the DC currents in a rechargeable lithium ion or nickel metal hydride battery. 